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A to Z Theme 2016

For my 2016 A to Z theme I used a meme that I ran across on the blog of Bridget Straub who first saw it on the blog of Paula Acton. This meme is a natural for me to use on my memoir blog. It's an A to Z concept and it's about me. No research and nothing complicated. I'm given twenty six questions or topics to discuss that are about me.

In April I kept my posts short and uncomplicated. In the midst of it all you might learn a few things about me that you didn't previously know.

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Activities and Addictions (Elements of Memoir) #AtoZChallenge

One might think first of "autobiography" when thinking of memoir. However memoir is a bit more specific. Where an autobiography might cover an entire life, a memoir deals in parts of a life. For example, memoir can focus on feelings, impressions, specific events, or a period of ones life. Autobiography is more like a collection of memoir pieces compiled to create a broader life picture.

To start our alphabetical look at some of the elements or topics that can comprise memoir we will begin with activities. What are some interesting actions or interests that you have pursued in life? Activities will be covered in greater detail throughout our A to Z examination of memoir so we won't delve into the specifics in this first post. This generalization is intended to get your mind working as you think about your own life activities that other people might be interested in hearing about.

When we think of the memoirs that others have written, the actions of their lives create the story that is unfolded on the pages of the memoir. If those actions are exciting, inspiring, unique, and ultimately interesting then there is a story to tell. As with all writing, the intrigue of the story and the engagement value for the reader depends on the style of the writer and how they make that content work. The most exciting life can be a bore in the hands of a poor writer while mundane events can seem deeply meaningful when told by the storyteller who opens up our minds.

One theme often used by memoirists is that of addiction. Substance abuse and harmful habits are activities that are dangerous and deadly. An addictive activity is intriguing to most people and something that many others have faced themselves. The addiction story can be morbidly fascinating to readers and enlightening to the curious. How addicts lift themselves from the depths is often highly inspirational. These stories can also be helpful to those in similar circumstances.

There are many other stories that can fit in categories that start with the letter "A". Abuse, accidents, animal rescue or relationships, and art are some others.

What "A" topics can you add to this list? Are there any standout memoirs in any of the "A" categories that you would recommend? Do you have your own "A" topic memoir that you would like to mention in the comments?

30 comments:

I did not realise the different between memoir and autobiography, thank you for the heads up. As for your questions, I'm afraid I can't think of anything interesting.TashaTasha's Thinkings | Wittegen Press | FB3X (AC)

Like the others before me, I never thought about the difference between memoir and autobiography. Somehow that seems much less intimidating! Another "A" topic - all I can think of is "action" - but that's not much different I guess. Thanks for teaching me something!

I had no idea there was a difference between memoir and autobiography. As far as 'A' topics go, I would suggest 'accountability' or 'admissions', where folks confess their responsibility for actions they have not admitted to before.

People do like to read about addictions, and recovery. They want to know how it started, how bad it got, and how they got over it. Well, at least learned to cope with it and keep it under control.My A? I guess it could be acting, or my name Aalgaard!Play off the Page

I've never really given much thought to the difference between an autobiography and a memoir before, but I can understand the distinction now.

Your mention of the subject of addictions made me think of a biography I read called 'Stuart: A Life Backwards' which told the story of a young man who was homeless and had struggled with addiction, but began with the story of his death and worked back through his life to his childhood to see how he got to that point.

I first began writing with a memoire (about a car accident and the following recovery), and it really broadened my outlook on my life and career. Helped me to understand the tragedy more clearly as well.

I did know the difference. If you've lived a long life, I think the memoir is more manageable. But it's not easy to find the threads you want to follow. And you have to decide or you'll be wandering all over the place.

Good A topic, Lee. Though I can't think of one that other commenters haven't mentioned.

My mother has lived with me the past twelve years and what has been the most revelatory part are the family stories. Little details I hear from her. For example, the stories of her father putting out in the Tennessee river to trapping birds on a snowy day to be roasted in the fireplace. It's the part of living we take for granted but is forgotten in the flotsam of time.

I didn't know the difference between the two either. I think I've read autobiographies that I thought were memoirs . This is such an intersting topic . I put aside a little time tonight to visit the reflection post and once I stumbled upon this one, I started reading your A to Z post and never left. I'm fascinated and wish I had been reading all month. I agree that we like reading comeback stories of how people beat their addictions. They are powerful . I thought that the writer who embellished his story years ago supposedly closed the market for such tales, but I imagine that occurred so long ago it's probably not much of an issue now. Still here, hopping to another memoir post. I'm really enjoying these, Arlee.

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A juggler of words and phrases. My main blog is Tossing It Out. The focus blog for the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge can now be found at a-to-zchallenge.com where updates will be posted until the event in April begins.
Wrote By Rote is about memoir writing.
A Few Words is my Sunday contemplation blog.
A Faraway View is about dreams. Pick what you like or look at them all. I love blogging!